Wanna’Lypse?

Are you lacking a few marbles, or are you just plain loco? You must be plain crazy and have a ginormous photographic passion to want to hold your own Minilypse. C’mon, how hard could it be? All you have to do is find some models and organize a few locations, right? Well in theory, yes. But like a fancy sports car, there is more to the beast than the design. There is that thing called the engine and its hundreds of moving parts that work in unison to make the thing purr and blow aerodynamically down the road. To hold a minilypse in your area is truly a noble endeavor — and if you put your shoes on the right feet, it may just be a success. I have been crazy enough to spearhead four Minilypses, and to be honest, I can’t get enough of them (RedRockalypse5 to be held in April 2010).

I believe the iStockphoto model of bringing people together from different backgrounds to share ideas is a brilliant concept. I don’t think there is a better way to educate oneself and others than to interact with a large group that is working toward the same cause — to create imagery with a little black picture-taker that hangs around your neck. There is no perfect Minilypse model, as each location and its participants are different and ever changing. But the idea is the greatest part: with the fusion of dedicated planning and an abundance of talent, Minilypses can be an experience to never forget. Take a few minutes to read my advice from trial-and-error experience.

What to Do

I have been lucky enough to come from a unique part of the world in Southern Utah. There has always been a huge interest in coming to this great state, and that has helped me with the needed energy to fuel a ’lypse. I have used the landscape and knowledge of my area to my advantage in hosting these events. Here is a recommended start:

1. Gauge interest in the iStock forums. Start a thread on iStock in the Minlypses area of the forums and float the idea: who would like to come to your part of the world? Naturally, you will find others in your immediate area that would like to attend. Depending on interest, you may want to hold a small get-together or a large one. In my experience, a small-to-medium group is easiest to manage and everyone gets to know each other better. Plus, if you are hosting in a smaller area, you can really experience the place as if you were a local. I would advise keeping the group size modest, around 15–20 photographers.

2. Collect participation fees. In order to make this Mini possible, you will need to ask for some granola. Depending on your resources (locations and models, to be discussed later) and how experienced your models are, this photographer participation fee can range anywhere from $150 to $350. I have found that it is better to charge a little more than to be stuck with any overspending in the end. Once you’ve collected the money from reservations, you can allocate it to your needs. The fees should be split between models, location, sundries, props/wardrobe, and a backup fund. Allocate approximately 50% for models; 25% for locations; 15% for wardrobe, makeup and model refreshments; and 10% for variables or for backup. You will be thankful for the backup fund.

3. Delegate responsibility and recruit coordinators. Don’t be afraid to ask for some help. iStock members are a golden pool of knowledge waiting to be tapped. They are helpful and wanting to serve others. Once you determine who is coming, ask a few people (or accept volunteer offers) for help in some critical areas. Coordinators are the unsung heroes of the event. Some members will offer their time as a coordinator to oversee an area of the ’lypse that can be tricky and difficult for the head coordinator to manage alone. Here are some recommended areas to ask for help:

4. Coordinate lodging for photographers. If you have a large group coming from out of state or country, try to arrange some group lodging options. I have never been turned down from a hotel when asking for a group rate. This hotel can serve as a central meeting point for everyone involved and disseminate event details.

Creative Direction

You started this ’lypse, so it is up to you to direct it creatively. You may or may not have much experience in directing something creatively, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it. If you come from Southern Utah, the outdoors and landscape offer you limitless concepts. If you come from Hawaii, maybe the beaches take the forefront. If you live in the city, then you have an endless canvas. Use this to your advantage.

1. Locations. First off, determine what your location has to offer. We have all heard that when purchasing real estate, location matters. That is also my mantra: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. Use your knowledge of your area to set up some killer concepts. Use your connections to find a cool place. A good location can compliment hired models and provide a vibe that will carry the event. If you are using connections via friends or associates, make sure you fully explain to them what you are planning to do. Believe it or not, they may have never heard of iStockphoto (unfathomable!). Fully explain that your group will be taking images and selling them online. If they have any sensitivities about their location or trade, then it will come up here. Nothing is worse than to have finished a shoot and find out afterward that they didn’t fully understand what the intention of your group was. Even if they understand and agree with the concept, get appropriate property release forms. If you are exchanging images for the right to shoot at their place, make sure to get them their images in a timely manner.

Locations can direct your sights to new destinations. Business outlook by StephanHoerold.

2. Models/Hiring Models. Models are the single most important area in the ’lypse. As we all know, the right or the wrong model can make or break a photographic concept. You will have to evaluate the kinds of models you need: old, young, male, female, animals, what have you. Most of the ’lypse budget should go towards models. I have found that the best way to guarantee a good mixture of models is to separate them into three tiers: Experienced, Some Experience, and No Experience. Now you may ask, how can I find experienced models in my area? Go online (sites such as modelmayhem.com) where you can find a variety of models in your area. Contact local model agencies for ideas and talent. Do your own scouting as well—don’t be afraid to recruit family or friends. Approaching the random person with the look you want can turn out to be a great find. Just make sure to keep all hired models updated with event information, and stay in contact with them throughout the event. Nothing can throw your day into a tailspin faster than not knowing where those models are or if they even remembered about the event. Make sure to get VERBAL confirmation of their plans. Models tend to overlook e-mails and texts. I’d rather be the annoying director calling them every couple days the week of the event than travel to a location and wonder where everyone is.

• Experienced Models: This category of models is a solid bang for your buck. They know how to look, how to be directed, and they may even have some ideas. Plus, they just plain look dapper. This type of model is reliable, timely, and for the most part, will not flake on you at the last minute. When paying experienced models, a good rule of thumb is around $25 per hour. This sounds like a lot, but you will get your money’s worth. Make sure a good 1/4 to 1/3 of your models come from this experienced category. Beware of this group, however: they have egos and may not want to shoot in some concepts they deem subpar to their experience.

• Semi-Experienced Models: This group has some experience and is willing to forego the pay of an experienced model. They have a good idea of what modeling is about and take direction well. This group is usually ego free and is a hardworking bunch. You may luck out here and find a few gems as well. Include a good 1/4 to a 1/3 of your models from this group. Typical pay for this group should be $10–15 per hour.

• No Experience/Freebie Models: Family and friends can be a valuable asset. Use them! Make sure you give them the lowdown of what your event is all about so there are no surprises. Beware, however, this freebie group can be extremely flaky. They won’t be getting paid (aside from exchanging pictures with photographers), so there is no solid commitment at any time. They may tell you they are coming but flake at the last minute. Imagine having all of your model pool from the freebie/no-experience department, and come shooting time, having half of them not show up, or show up late. It kills any hope of a smooth event. Don’t let this happen to you. Still, some no-experience models come to the whole event, work extra hard, are good sports, and were contracted for free. If this is the case and you have some of these saviors, then pay them a little bit from the backup fund (anything from travel expenses to $10 per hour). They deserve it, and you will have developed a photographer-and-model relationship that can benefit both parties in the future. Invite 1/4 to 1/3 of your models from this pool.

3. Concepts/Makeup/Wardrobe. It is wise to provide some conceptual direction at locations to drive the photography. Make sure your wardrobe and concept fit your location. For example, an old abandoned grove with several decomposing structures can make for a great spooky venue. It’s good to try some new stuff, but “artsy” stock may not sell very well. Plan to have at least one of your themes directed to something that would be a better seller. Example: Business clothes can translate basically everywhere, so have the models bring business clothing to all locations. Example 2: Workout clothing. You can work out anywhere! Always have your models bring their own backup makeup so that if a makeup artist doesn’t show (this happens) they have something to fall back on.

Locations can direct your sights to new destinations. Film Noir Horror by ImagesbyTrista.

Post-Event Management

The event may be over, but there is still a lot of management that still needs to happen. Make sure to jump on this quickly by riding the post-event high that comes from every event. Keeping active in the Minilypse forum is a great way to share photos and instructions for sharing experiences and photos with everyone. Keep on top of these areas to cap off the event:

1. File sharing. Once you have gathered releases from everyone and sent the releases into headquarters, you are going to need to get the models their images. Many of the models are working for images only, so their payment is the exchange of photography from the photographers. I have found that if you hand out the releases as soon as you get them back from headquarters, several photographers will “forget” to send the models any images at all. The best way to remedy this is to require 2–5 photographs from each photographer of each model. This way, every model gets something. Once the exchange has been overseen via e-mail or an ftp server, then the release is issued to the photographer and everyone is giddy.

2. Official event Lightbox. One of the best things from the event is the creation of the official Lightbox. Seeing the different images and the processing used to produce those images is priceless. It garners exposure for your event, and if you are kind enough to send a message to JJRD once your lightbox is active and full of noteworthy images, then you may be featured as “Lightbox of the Week.” This is a great way to get some exposure for everyone’s hard work.

Parting Thoughts

You are the Glue. If you are savvy and crazy enough to hold a Minilypse, you must view yourself as the glue of the operation. You are the one bringing everything together and holding everything together. Make sure your position is always under control so you can attend to questions and problems that may arise. As mentioned, models will flake, photographers will bicker, and bizarre situations will come up. Don’t get frazzled. Lean on the help of your coordinators. And remember to have fun. It doesn’t need to be taken so seriously. If a bump comes up, let everyone know that something unexpected surfaced, and they will all improvise with you to make it work.

The iStockphoto Minilypse model is a fantastic opportunity for every photographer. If you want to hold a ’lypse in your area, jump in with both feet and enjoy the wild and crazy ride. In this process you will get to know some fabulous people from all over the world and form unforgettable friendships in the process. It is so great to witness different cultures and talents. There is no better feeling than to log into your Minilypse Lightbox and see the fruits of your labor. You realize that you are the one driving that über-fast sports car. Have fun and stick your head out the window (sticking out your tongue is optional).

RR4North group attendees at the Utah Bonneville Salt Flats (back row) DarrenMower, 66blacktiger, LuxCreative, Cardston, RichVintage, StephanHoerold, BirdofPrey. Second row: d9tech, btrenkel, KarenMower, ImagesbyTrista, scoutgirl, inhauscreative. Sitting: JeanellNorvell. Not pictured: RiverRockPhotos, viola83181. Photo courtesy of Cardston. May 2009.

RedRockalypse Alumni

RichVintage 1, 2, 3, 4	RenPhoto 1, 2	jamirae 1, 2	Lokibaho 1, 2
jacomstephens 1, 2	Primeop76 1, 2	PinkTagIllustration 1, 2, 3	BirdofPrey 1, 2, 3, 4
StephanHoerold 1, 2, 3, 4	emyerson 2	phfft 2	brentman 2
Mlenny 2	shaunl 2	Jason_V 2	archives 2
Jewelsy 2	JeanellNorvell 2, 3, 4	jashlock 2	beckyrockwood 2
imcdonnell 2	EricVega 2, 3	majordesigns 2, 3	nicolesy 2
MSRPhoto 1	babyblueut 1	stanorlob 1	ImagesbyTrista 1, 3, 4
LifeJourneys 1, 3	InkkStudios 1, 3	gollykim 1 ,3	ReeseImages 1
pink_cotton_candy 1	bobbieo 3	ranplett 3	yobro10 3
MarkHatfield 3	abishome 3	66blacktiger 4	btrenkel 4
Cardston 4	d9tech 4	DarrenMower 4	inhauscreative 4
KarenMower 4	LuxCreative 4	RiverRockPhotos 4	scoutgirl 4
viola83181 4

1 attended RR1 (Sept. 2007)
2 attended RR2 (April 2008)
3 attended RR3 (October 2008)
4 attended RR4N (May 2009)

RedRockalypse Hall of Fame Lightbox

Andrew “A.J.” Rich (RichVintage) was born and raised in the desert and red rocks of Utah. He has coordinated 4 Minilypses; the event is known as the ‘RedRockalypse.’ He has a graphic design degree from Brigham Young University and has been an award-winning designer and art-director for more than 9 years. He is married to a beautiful Texan and has four energetic children.

Photo by phfft.